Understanding ADAS Systems: Key Technologies and Functions of ADAS Systems

Aug 15,2024
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What is ADAS system?


ADAS systems are a set of electronic technologies used to assist drivers in performing driving and parking functions. ADAS systems rely on a variety of sensors, cameras, radars and LIDAR to detect and interpret the environment around the vehicle, providing information and performing automatic operations to improve driving safety and comfort.


Core components of ADAS systems


The core components of the ADAS system are the key elements that support its functions and performance. These components work together to perceive the environment around the vehicle in real time and provide driving assistance to the driver. The following are the main core components of the ADAS system:
1. Cameras
① Front-view camera: Installed in front of the vehicle, it is mainly used to detect lane markings, traffic signs, pedestrians and other vehicles ahead. Front-view cameras are usually used to implement functions such as Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.
② Surround view camera: A multi-camera system around the vehicle that provides a 360-degree panoramic view to help the driver observe the situation around the vehicle when driving at low speed or parking. Commonly used in automatic parking and blind spot monitoring functions.
③ Rearview camera: Installed at the rear of the vehicle, usually used to provide vision when reversing and work with the reversing assistance system.
2. Radar
① Front radar: Installed in front of the vehicle, it uses radio waves to detect the distance and speed of objects in front. Front radar is often used in adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems to help the vehicle maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
② Side radar: Installed on the side of the vehicle, used to detect objects on both sides of the vehicle, commonly used for blind spot detection and lane change assistance.
3. LIDAR
LiDAR sensor: uses laser beams to detect the surrounding environment and generate high-precision 3D point cloud images.  LIDAR is mainly used in advanced ADAS and autonomous driving systems to provide accurate distance and object recognition information. Compared with traditional radar, LIDAR has higher accuracy in detecting the shape and size of objects.
4. Ultrasonic Sensors
Short-range detection: These sensors are typically used for short-range detection of vehicles, such as detecting obstacles around the vehicle when parking. Ultrasonic sensors are widely used in Parking Assist and obstacle detection at low speeds.
5. ECU - Electronic Control Unit
Data processing and decision-making center: ECU is the brain of the ADAS system, responsible for collecting data from sensors, cameras, radars and other devices, and processing and making decisions through advanced algorithms. After receiving the data, ECU can quickly analyze and respond, such as automatic braking or steering adjustment.
6. GPS and navigation systems
Positioning and Navigation: The GPS module is used to accurately locate the geographic location of the vehicle and is combined with map data to achieve functions such as path planning and navigation prompts. GPS and navigation systems are crucial in autonomous driving and path following functions.
7. In-vehicle network (CAN Bus, Ethernet)
Communication system: The vehicle network is an important communication platform that connects the various components of the ADAS system. CAN bus (Controller Area Network) and Ethernet transmit data and control signals within the system, ensuring fast coordination and synchronization between sensors, ECUs and actuators.
8. Software and Algorithms
① Image processing algorithm: used to analyze images captured by the camera, such as lane line detection, traffic sign recognition, etc.
② Signal processing and fusion: Fuse data from different sensors to generate a comprehensive environmental perception result.
③ Decision-making and control algorithm: Make real-time decisions and control vehicle behavior, such as steering, acceleration, braking, etc., based on perception information and driving conditions.
9. Display and Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
① Information display: Display the ADAS system’s detection information, warning prompts, driving assistance status, etc. to the driver, such as through the instrument panel, head-up display (HUD) or central control screen.
② User interaction: Through the HMI system, the driver can interact with ADAS functions, such as setting adaptive cruise speed, enabling or disabling certain driving assistance functions, etc.
Together, these core components form the foundation of the ADAS system, supporting its various driver assistance functions and providing drivers with a safe, efficient, and comfortable driving experience. Each component plays an indispensable role in the system, ensuring that the ADAS system operates effectively under various driving conditions.


How ADAS systems work


The working principle of the ADAS system involves the integration of multiple sensors and technologies to achieve perception of the vehicle's surroundings, data processing, decision making and execution of operations. The following is the detailed working principle of the ADAS system:
① Perception
Sensor data acquisition: ADAS systems continuously monitor the environment around the vehicle through a variety of sensors, such as cameras, radars, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors, etc. These sensors can detect objects, lane lines, traffic signs, pedestrians, etc. in front, to the side and behind.
② Data Processing and Sensor Fusion
Sensor data fusion: Since different sensors have their own advantages and limitations, ADAS systems will fuse data from different sensors to provide more accurate and comprehensive environmental perception. For example, radar is good at measuring distance but has limited ability to distinguish the shape of objects, while cameras are good at identifying objects but are not as accurate as radar in distance measurement. Data fusion can make comprehensive use of the data from each sensor to make up for their respective shortcomings.
Image processing and computer vision: The system uses image processing algorithms and computer vision technology to analyze images captured by the camera and identify important information such as lane lines, traffic signs, pedestrians, and vehicles.
Target recognition and tracking: The system identifies important targets (such as vehicles ahead, pedestrians, etc.) and tracks their movement paths to predict their behavior and respond accordingly.
③ Decision Making and Control
Real-time decision-making: Based on the sensor fusion data and target recognition results, the ADAS system makes real-time decisions through complex algorithms and artificial intelligence technology. These decisions can include adjusting vehicle speed, changing lanes, initiating emergency braking, etc.
Control signal output: Once the system makes a decision, it sends control signals to the vehicle's execution systems, such as the steering system, braking system, throttle control, etc., through the electronic control unit (ECU) to implement the corresponding operations.
Execution of driver assistance functions: Based on the system's decision, ADAS functions (such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, etc.) will be activated to help the driver maintain safe driving.
④ Feedback and Human-Machine Interaction, HMI
Information display and warning: ADAS systems will provide important environmental information, system status and warning information to the driver through the human-machine interface (such as the instrument panel, head-up display, touch screen, etc.). For example, if the system detects a potential collision risk, it will warn the driver through sound, visual or tactile prompts.
⑤ System Monitoring and Learning
Adaptive and Learning: Some advanced ADAS systems have learning capabilities that can optimize their performance by continuously monitoring driver behavior and environmental changes. For example, the system may adjust the warning level or the triggering conditions of driving assistance based on the driver's habits.
Fault diagnosis and safety mechanism: The ADAS system continuously monitors its operating status and detects sensor or actuator failures. Once an abnormality is detected, the system will activate a redundant mechanism or warn the driver to ensure driving safety.
⑥ System integration and vehicle control
Integration with other vehicle systems: ADAS systems are usually tightly integrated with other vehicle control systems (such as power control, braking control, steering control, etc.). Through the vehicle network (such as CAN bus or Ethernet), ADAS systems can quickly exchange information with other vehicle subsystems to achieve overall coordination.

In summary, the working principle of the ADAS system is a complex multi-sensor data processing and real-time control process.  Through environmental perception, data processing and fusion, real-time decision-making and control, the ADAS system can provide various driving assistance functions to improve driving safety and comfort. The human-computer interaction interface ensures that the driver can understand the system status at any time and intervene when necessary.


Functional classification of ADAS systems


The functional classification of ADAS systems covers multiple driving assistance and safety enhancement functions, aiming to improve driving safety, comfort and driver convenience. The following are the main functional classifications of ADAS systems:
1. Driving assistance function
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Suitable for highway driving, reducing driver fatigue after long hours of driving.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Automatically adjusts the steering wheel to help the vehicle stay in the center of the lane and prevent the vehicle from unintentionally leaving the lane.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW): A warning is issued when the vehicle is about to leave the lane, reminding the driver to correct the direction.
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): Identify traffic signs on the road, such as speed limit, no entry, etc., and remind drivers to comply.
Parking Assist: Helps the driver park the car automatically. The system detects parking spaces through sensors and controls the steering wheel and speed to perform parking operations.
2. Security enhancements
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): When an imminent collision is detected, the system automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate the collision.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): When there is another vehicle in the vehicle's blind spot, the system will alert the driver through visual or auditory signals to prevent side collisions.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW): When the system detects that the vehicle ahead is too close or there is a potential risk of collision, it will issue a warning signal to remind the driver to take action.
④ Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): When reversing, the system detects whether there are vehicles traveling sideways on the left and right sides and issues a warning to prevent collision.
⑤ Driver Drowsiness Detection: By monitoring the driver's facial expressions or driving behavior, it can determine whether the driver is tired and remind him to take a rest.
3. Intelligent control function
① Adaptive High Beam Assist (AHBA): Automatically adjusts the high beam to match road and traffic conditions, preventing oncoming traffic from being dazzled while ensuring optimal illumination.
② Lane Change Assist (LCA): When the driver intends to change lanes, the system checks whether there are vehicles in the blind spot or approaching quickly to ensure safe lane change.
Traffic Jam Assist (TJA): In low-speed traffic jams, the system automatically controls acceleration, braking and steering operations to reduce driver stress.
4. Parking assistance function
① 360-degree Surround View System: Provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings to help the driver park or reverse in tight spaces.
② Front and Rear Collision Warning: When there is an obstacle in front of or behind the vehicle, the system will issue a warning to prevent collision when driving at low speed or parking.
5. Night driving assistance
Night Vision System: Uses an infrared camera to detect pedestrians, animals, and vehicles on the road ahead at night or in low visibility conditions and alerts the driver on the display.
Automatic High Beam (AHB): Automatically switches between high beam and low beam according to road conditions and the lights of oncoming vehicles, improving safety of night driving.
6. Obstacle avoidance and path guidance
① Obstacle Avoidance Assist: When an obstacle is detected ahead, the system will provide path guidance to help the driver avoid the obstacle.
② Path Keep Assist: The system helps the vehicle maintain the ideal driving path in complex road conditions and reduces the risk of misoperation.
These functional categories cover the main capabilities of ADAS systems, helping drivers control vehicles more safely and easily under various driving conditions. With the development of technology, the functions of ADAS systems are constantly expanding and upgrading.


Applications and cases of ADAS systems


As ADAS systems develop, more and more automakers and technology companies are beginning to apply them to various vehicles to improve driving safety and user experience. The following are the application areas and some actual cases of ADAS systems:
1. Application in passenger cars
① Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist:
Case: Tesla's Autopilot system is a typical application. The system can automatically adjust the speed on the highway and keep the vehicle in the center of the lane, greatly reducing the pressure of long-distance driving.
② Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Case: Volkswagen's AEB system detects obstacles ahead and automatically brakes when a collision is about to occur. It has been widely used in many models and has significantly reduced the incidence of low-speed rear-end collisions.
③ Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Case: Toyota's Safety Sense system integrates BSM and RCTA functions to provide additional safety when changing lanes and reversing, reducing the danger of blind spots when driving.
2. Application in commercial vehicles
① Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) and Fatigue Monitoring System:
Case: Daimler's truck series has introduced traffic jam assist and fatigue monitoring systems to help long-distance freight drivers stay alert and safe in traffic jams or long drives.
② 360-degree panoramic imaging system and automatic parking assistance:
Case: Volvo Trucks equips its heavy-duty trucks with a 360-degree surround-view imaging system and automatic parking assistance, making it easier and safer for large vehicles to operate in narrow city streets and cargo yards.
3. Application in public transportation
① Automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection
Case: Singapore's driverless bus project uses advanced ADAS systems, including automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection functions, to ensure that the vehicle can avoid collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles when driving in urban areas.
4. Application of advanced driving functions
① Semi-automatic driving and parking:
Case: Audi A8's Traffic Jam Pilot is the first production car system to achieve Level 3 autonomous driving. In low-speed traffic, the system can completely take over the driving task and provide fully automatic parking when parking.
② Intelligent high beam and night vision system:
Case: BMW's intelligent laser high beam and night vision system can provide excellent vision when driving at night, automatically adjust the angle and brightness of the high beam to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles, and identify potential dangers on the road ahead in advance through infrared cameras.
5. Application in urban and road infrastructure
Intelligent Traffic Management:
Case: In many European cities, ADAS technology has been integrated into intelligent traffic management systems. By communicating with road infrastructure, vehicles can obtain information such as traffic light status, speed limit information, and road closures in advance, thereby optimizing driving routes and reducing traffic accidents.
6. Application in special environments
① Bad weather driving assistance
Case: Ford has added ADAS functions designed for special road conditions such as snow, mud and desert to its F-150 models. It improves driving safety and vehicle stability by adjusting vehicle dynamics and monitoring road conditions in real time.
② Off-road driving assistance:
Case: Land Rover's Terrain Response system can automatically adjust the vehicle's suspension, steering and traction control systems according to different terrains to provide the best off-road driving experience.




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